The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it. This phase-out plan includes both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The parties to the Protocol meet once a year to make decisions aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement. These include adjusting or amending the Protocol, which has been done six times since its creation. The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016. These HFCs were used as replacements for a batch of ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Montreal Protocol. Although they do not deplete the ozone layer, they are known to be powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, contributors to climate change.

The Montreal Protocol provided a set of practical, actionable tasks that were universally agreed on. The Protocol has successfully met its objectives thus far and continues to safeguard the ozone layer today. Thanks to the collaborative effort of nations around the world, the ozone layer is well on its way to recovery.

Critical use exemptions: Second Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties (Montreal, 1 July 2005)

Source(s)
Annex to Decision Ex.II/1

Table A: Agreed critical-use categories

Country Categories of permitted critical uses (metric tonnes)
Australia Cut-flowers (1.75); Strawberry runners (7.5)
Canada Pasta manufacturing facilities (2.057); Flour mills (6.974)
Japan Peppers (hot) (9.3); Peppers (green) (65.6)
United States of America Ornamentals (148.483); dry-cured ham (40.854); Dry commodities/structures (cocoa beans) (9.228); Dry commodities/structures (processed foods, herbs and spices, dried milk and cheese processing facilities) (12.865); Eggplant - field, for research only (0.914); Mills and processors (66.915); Peppers - field (436.665); Strawberry fruit - field (207.648); Tomato - field (253.431)

Table B: Permitted levels of production and consumption of methyl bromide to satisfy critical uses in 2006

Country Methyl bromide (metric tonnes)
Australia 9.250
Canada 9.031
Japan 74.900
United States of America 760.585